Shenk’s Homestead Distillery Sour Mash Whiskey honors the legacy of historic American whiskey figure John Shenk, who in 1753 founded a distillery that was to become known as Michter’s in the 20th Century. It is made in Kentucky according to the traditional Sour Mash process whereby a portion of the previously distilled whiskey mash (referred to as “setback”) is added into the next batch. This full-bodied small batch whiskey is 91.2 proof.
Similar to previous releases, this 2025 Shenk’s Homestead Sour Mash Whiskey is an expression made with a good amount of rye. To accentuate the rye characters, some of the fully matured whiskey was finished in toasted only French oak barrels that were not charred. This wood was sourced from the Vosges region of France before being naturally air dried and seasoned for 24 months and being toasted to our exacting specifications. With this year’s release using the toasted French oak, a bolder, lingering spice emerges balanced by some dried fruit and toasty burnt sugar and toffee qualities.
Tasting Notes:
Appearance: Dark amber.
Nose: Toasty burnt sugar, spice, honey.
Palate: This whiskey offers a rich toasty, sweet, experience highlighting baking spice, dried, fruits, toffee, nougat and burnt sugar.
Finish: Smooth with lingering spice.
"This whiskey opens with a unique dark plum sweetness before transitioning to rye spice and dried apricot, finishing with a sour explosion that melts into unsweeten cocoa" - Jeff Bogursky, The Whiskey Wash (90 Points)
"As for the 2025 Shenk’s? It continues the brand’s recent trend by offering a complete, fulfilling drinking experience despite its low proof. That last part may be a pain point for some enthusiasts, but if there’s one thing I’ve learned about spirits, it’s that you can’t base everything off of numbers. I’d even challenge anyone to find a whiskey outside of the Michter’s portfolio with a similar proof point that matches the experience offered by this release of Shenk’s Homestead. You might be able to come up with a handful, but I doubt it’ll be a laundry list." - Xenoraiser, The Whiskey Ramble
"The nose is a fruity and spicy mix of fresh apricots, ripe plums, and sour cherries with a sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg next to charred firewood. The palate is like a boozy cinnamon bun, hold the vanilla icing, but slathered in fruit jam instead — flavors of cooked peaches, baked apples, caramel, buttery pasty, and maple syrup. The finish is on the higher, oilier spectrum of medium to hold the sweet, fruity, and spicy flavors, with a quick flash of heat and charred oak." - Amanda Schuster, Distiller (91 Points)
"Part of Michter’s Legacy Series, this sour mash is partially finished in toasted but not charred French oak barrels. On the nose, there’s caramel, hot chocolate, and French toast, creating a pleasantly sweet but straightforward aroma. The sip is all chocolate desserts: chocolate sauce, freshly baked brownies, and chocolate-covered cherries. With a little water, apple fritters and gingersnaps emerge. The chocolate notes continue on the finish, with a hint of charred oak adding depth." - Shane English, Whisky Advocate (91 Points)
"On the palate, a bit less spice than the 2024 offering yields an easier drinking, almost creamy palate of cinnamon sugar, clove syrup, toasted sugar, and butterscotch candies. The midpalate offers up apple chips and snickerdoodle cookies, alongside a hugging warmth that lingers into a generous finish of apple pie filling, sticky toffee pudding, and a little minted syrup. Of the two, I’m usually partial to Bomberger’s, but this one was just so well-balanced and easy to sip. My favorite Shenk’s release to date." - Drew Beard, Drinkhacker (95 Points)
